American Ex-Prisoners of War Organization

Membership in the American Ex-Prisoners of War organization is open to all former prisoners of war (captured because of their American citizenship) from any theater in any war, all former civilian internees and the families/descendents of such persons. There is no such thing as an "associate" member, and we have no auxiliaries. Each and every member is entitled to all privileges of membership.

At the present time, the American Ex-Prisoners of War has more than 300 Chapters and State Departments around the country. We meet, socialize and bond with our comrades.

Our purpose is our slogan: "We exist to help those who cannot help themselves." Our organization of former POW's (military and civilian) and their families has helped many victims deal with the enduring trauma of their capture through friendships with those who shared a common experience. These friendships have become lasting, life-long relationships.

In 1949, Sherman Jones dropped out of high school and enlisted in the Army. At 75 years of age, the Korean War veteran and ex-POW doubled back and got his degree. (Watch video for the whole story.)

Many American Ex-prisoners of war are unaware of their entitlements. We can do them a great service if we can find them. The Veteran's Administration estimates that 32,550 Ex-POWs were alive as of December, 2004 (the last year statistics were published). This was a drop of 10% from 2003. If we estimate declines of 10% for 2005, 2006 and 2007, there are fewer than 23,000 alive in 2008. We also know there are fewer than 10,000 who are members of our organization at this time. We need to continue to encourage VA to help in our quest to find both living POWs and their dependents so that they can claim the entitlements they deserve. Fred Campbell of San Angelo, TX is the chairman of AXPOW’s Outreach Committee. Please contact him if you know of a POW or widow who is not receiving VA benefits. His articles appear monthly in the EX-POW Bulletin.

Legislation has made significant changes to benefits and health care available through the Veteran's Administration. Veterans who have not recently sought services from the VA should contact a National Service Officer or the VA to explore which VA resources are available to them.

Other benefits, besides medical, available to eligible veterans include: disability compensation, pensions, education and training, vocational rehabilitation, home loan guarantees, life insurance, burial, survivors' assistance and dependents' education.

There are homeless veterans programs and benefits for special groups, such as blinded veterans, veterans with spinal cord injuries and veterans in need of prosthetic services.

Please consider saving your oral history, memoirs, diary, and/or letters home. By leaving your oral history you will have done your country another good deed. You will serve future generations as they strive to understand their world.

Click here for some excellent advice from noted historian Stephen Ambrose on how to start preserving your history.

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